A fascinating new rumor claims WWE was targeting a very different moment for John Cena’s shocking heel turn to take place.
The professional wrestling industry got one of its most shocking moments last week when the unthinkable happened. After 20 years as one of the business’s most successful and lucrative heroes, John Cena sold his soul and turned to the dark side.
Related: John Cena’s Stunning Heel Turn Actually Set A New Guinness World Record?
At the end of Elimination Chamber 2025, The Rock and Cena revealed that they had formed an alliance and took part in an epic beatdown of reigning WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes. The stunning moment has received praise throughout the industry, with some claiming it was the greatest heel turn of all time.
Yet, while WWE’s plans seemed to go perfectly last week, a report from Dave Meltzer in a new edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter suggests the company wanted to have that moment take place at an even bigger event.
WWE wanted John Cena heel turn to happen at WrestleMania 41
“The plan was that the Cena turn with Rock would have been saved for Wrestlemania’s finish,” Meltzer wrote. “The idea is that once the decision was made, during the day, to do it on this show, then obviously it had to go on last.
“Keep in mind that the top few people in WWE could be swerving their own people. And it was always going last and the turn was always on this show. But after the show, many of the key people were told that it was a late change.”
Reports after Elimination Chamber claimed The Rock and Cody Rhodes segment was supposed to go on before the men’s chamber match. But was moved to the main event at the last minute to trick staff. The idea of a legendary face changing sides and aligning with an evil authority figure should sound familiar.
That was the way WrestleMania 17 ended. To the surprise of many, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin aligned with bitter rival Mr. McMahon so he could defeat, none other than The Rock, in that year’s main event.
Related: John Cena’s Next Scheduled Appearance May Hint At Huge Change to Cement Heel Turn
